Dogs are called a man’s best friend because of their loyalty and unconditional love. We cuddle up with them in the bed, take them on walks, and even share our food with them. However, they are animals and can lash out or attack humans. Dogs bite an estimated 4.7 million Americans, many of them children, every year.
A dog bite incident can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families.
At The Flood Law Firm, we understand that the road to recovery after being attacked by a dog can be a long and complicated one. Our Danbury dog bite lawyers are well-versed in statutes enacted in Connecticut to protect the rights of dog bite victims and are dedicated to providing each client we represent with compassionate and personalized service.
We can support you in the aftermath of a dog bite and work tirelessly to pursue a claim for compensation on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to discuss how our team can help. Call or submit your contact information to request a free case evaluation.
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Why Choose Us?
Choosing The Flood Law Firm for your dog bite case in Danbury offers experience and dedication in personal injury law. With a team of skilled attorneys, our focus on achieving justice and fair compensation sets us apart.
At The Flood Law Firm, we prioritize client well-being, providing personalized attention and skillfully navigating the complexities of dog bite cases. Our proven track record, commitment to client satisfaction, and compassionate approach make us a trusted choice for those seeking reliable legal representation in Danbury's dog bite cases.
As you can see from our results, the team at The Flood Law Firm has made a lot of six-figure cases out of seemingly low-value injuries. We have received many substantial jury verdicts when insurance companies offered minimal or no compensation. Learn how our dog bite attorneys can support your case.
Possible Injuries and Complications from Dog Bites
Not all dog bite incidents result in minor scratches. We here at The Flood Law Firm have seen firsthand the devastating and far-reaching effects of dog bites on victims and their families.
Our law firm is committed to representing dog bite victims who suffered all types of injuries, from minor punctures and scratches to painful and disfiguring injuries.
Dog bite incidents inflict a broad spectrum of injuries, including:
- Bite or teeth marks. One of the most common injuries resulting from a dog bite, even a relatively minor one, is a puncture wound. Punctures can happen when a dog’s teeth break through the skin and leave a hole.
- Scratch marks. While not as serious as bite wounds, scratch marks from a dog still require medical attention. Scratches can lead to skin infections and leave scars if not treated properly or left to heal independently.
- Bruises. A victim of a dog attack is likely to suffer bruising if they fall to the ground when the dog jumps on them. While bruises themselves are not typically serious, they can be a sign of a deeper issue.
- Lacerations. Lacerations are deep cuts that can expose muscles, tendons, or even bones. Lacerations often require sutures or staples to close the wound.
- Broken bones or fractures. A dog attack can result in broken bones or fractures. If a dog bites you on the hand, it can break bones in your fingers or wrist. This type of dog bite injury often requires surgery.
- Nerve damage. A dog bite can cause serious damage to the nerves around the bite. Nerve damage can lead to prolonged pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area.
- Facial injuries. Facial injuries from dog bites can be particularly traumatic and may require plastic surgery when they result in permanent disfigurement or cosmetic damage.
- Infections. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can get trapped in the wound and cause an infection. Staph and strep infections are particularly dangerous because conditions caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria can be fatal.
- Rabies. While rare, dog bites can transmit rabies, a serious and deadly disease. If a dog has bitten you and you are unsure of the dog's vaccination status against rabies, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies causes about 59,000 deaths worldwide.
While death is not a common outcome of a dog bite, that is not to say that people bitten by dogs cannot suffer life-threatening injuries. From 30 to 80 people die every year from being bitten or struck by a dog.
As you can see from our results, the team at The Flood Law Firm has made a lot of six-figure cases out of seemingly low-value soft-tissue injuries.
What Is the Dog Bite Law in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s dog bite statute makes owners and keepers of dogs strictly liable for any damages their pets cause to other people or their property. In other words, the victim need not prove that the owner/keeper of the dog (a) knew that their dog was vicious or (b) was otherwise negligent and failed to prevent the bite.
Factors That Affect Liability in Dog Bite Cases
Our Danbury dog bite lawyer at The Flood Law Firm has a deep understanding of the laws surrounding liability and compensation in Connecticut dog bite cases. We help accident victims oppose the defenses raised by dog owners and their insurance companies when trying to avoid or minimize liability. Particularly, it is worth discussing the following four factors that may affect the dog owner’s liability:
Trespassing
Trespassing is a common defense dog owners use to challenge an injured victim’s claim for compensation. If you were a dog attack victim while trespassing on someone’s property, the dog owner might not be liable for your injuries.
However, if you were legally allowed to be on the property, even as a visitor, the owner might be liable for any harm caused by their dog. Therefore, proving that you were not trespassing and had the legal right to be on the property is essential.
Provocation
Suppose you provoke the dog, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The owner can use it as their defense and argue that they cannot be made responsible for your injuries.
For instance, if you teased, taunted, or threatened the dog, the owner might argue that you incited the dog to attack you.
Negligence
Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs do not harm anyone. If the owner fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent their dog from biting you, they might be liable for any injuries you suffered.
For instance, if the owner did not leash their dog, did not erect a fence, or failed to warn you about the dog’s history of aggression, you can hold them liable for your injuries. However, some states, including Connecticut, make dog owners strictly liable for all bites, which means you don’t need to prove negligence on the owner's part.
State Laws
Liability in dog bite cases varies depending on the state laws. Some states follow the one-bite rule, which means that the owner is not liable for the first time their dog bites someone, but they are liable if the dog attacks anyone again.
Other states follow the strict liability rule, which means that the owner is always liable for any injuries caused by their dog, even if they were not negligent. You might want to consult with a Danbury dog bite lawyer to learn more about the laws in your state.
Danbury Dog Bite Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our team at The Flood Law Firm receives hundreds of questions from victims of dog bites every month.
As you can guess, many of the questions repeat themselves, so we created this FAQ section to answer some of the most common questions. However, do not treat the information below as legal advice. Everyone’s situation is unique, and we have to address them individually.
What to do after a dog bite in Danbury, Connecticut?
The first thing to do after a dog bite is to go to a hospital or emergency room to seek medical attention. Even if you think your wound is minor, you might still want to get checked out just in case.
If possible, try to identify the dog that bit you, as you will need the dog owner’s information when pursuing a claim for compensation. Report the incident to local authorities and seek the advice of a Danbury dog bite lawyer.
How much money can I get as a victim of a dog bite?
The amount of money you can demand as a dog bite victim depends on a variety of factors, including the severity and extent of the injuries, your medical expenses, past and future lost income, and the suffering and pain (if any) you have endured due to the attack.
A dog bite lawyer can help analyze all facts of your case and advise you on the amount of damages you are entitled to.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Connecticut?
Each state adopted laws regarding the time frame for dog bite victims to pursue compensation.
In Connecticut, a dog bite victim has two years to file a lawsuit, according to CT Gen Stat § 52-584. After two years pass, you cannot seek financial compensation, and a court will dismiss any attempts to file a lawsuit.
What if I trespassed when the incident occurred?
If a person suffered a dog bite injury but was trespassing at the time of the attack, the law may limit their rights as an injured party. In such cases, the dog owner can use the fact that the victim was trespassing in their defense.
However, even if you were trespassing, it is still essential to consult with a lawyer who can evaluate the unique facts of your case and determine if the property owner holds any liability.
Can a dog owner avoid liability for bites if they put up a Beware of Dog sign?
No, it is a common misconception that a dog owner is not responsible for bites if they place a Beware of Dog sign on their property. This is entirely false, as Beware of Dog and other signs will rarely release an owner of liability in the event of an attack.
How do I know if I need a dog bite lawyer?
If a dog bit you, a lawyer can do the following and much more:
- Explain the dog bite laws in your state;
- Provide legal guidance and advise you on your legal options;
- Collect evidence to build a strong case;
- Calculate your damages and losses;
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf;
- Discuss your chances of getting fair compensation through a settlement or litigation; and
- Represent your interests in court if your case goes to trial.
If you are not sure whether or not you can benefit from retaining the services of a dog bite lawyer, speak with a lawyer directly to make up your mind about legal counsel.
In fact, The Flood Law Firm provides free consultations to prospective clients, which means you have nothing to lose (but a lot to gain) if you contact us to discuss your case.
Get Help From a Danbury Dog Bite Lawyer at The Flood Law Firm
A dog attack can cause debilitating and painful injuries that can last a lifetime, not to mention the psychological trauma stemming from the incident.
At The Flood Law Firm, we understand what you are going through and are committed to helping you seek justice and obtain the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life and move forward after this traumatic incident.
Contact our Danbury dog bite lawyer today to get help and discuss the specifics of your case. Get your free consultation now by calling (860) 346-2695.
The Flood Law Firm - Danbury Office
1 Moss Ave
Danbury, CT 06810
P: 203-448-2631
